On this episode of On The Radar, we sit down with Twin Cities dancer and founder Imani Moore, the visionary behind Locomotive Dance Crew. What started as a lifelong passion has grown into a movement centered on inclusion, expression, and community.

Moore shares how she built a space where dancers of all backgrounds can connect, perform, and grow—while also looking ahead to a future rooted in access, opportunity, and creative freedom.

This conversation highlights the power of dance as a universal language and a tool for belonging

Singer, educator and community advocate Jamela Pettiford joins the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s On the Radar Podcast to discuss how music became a lifelong path for confidence, creativity and community impact.

Hosted by MSR journalist Damenica Ellis, the conversation explores Pettiford’s upbringing in Saint Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood and how her early experiences with performance helped shape her career. Inspired by gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, Pettiford went on to perform with multiple bands, including the Big John Dickerson Blues Band, while also writing music and appearing in stage productions.

Beyond performing, Pettiford is deeply committed to education and mentorship. She uses music and the performing arts to help youth and adults develop resilience, confidence and self-worth. Her work includes teaching and leading creative programming through initiatives such as Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools in Saint Paul.

In this episode, Pettiford shares how storytelling and song can empower communities, strengthen cultural identity and provide a space for young people to find their voices.

She also discusses her upcoming album, set to release May 1, which blends neo soul, hip-hop, gospel and classical trap influences.

Listen to the full conversation to learn how Pettiford continues to use music to inspire leadership, healing and community connection.

Learn more about Jamela Pettiford:
 https://jamelapettiford.com/

Read the related story from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder:
 https://spokesman-recorder.com/2026/02/26/jamela-pettiford-musician/

#OnTheRadarPodcast #JamelaPettiford #TwinCitiesMusic #Rondo #BlackArtists

Episode 2 of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s On the Radar podcast features South Minneapolis poet and emcee Se’Anna Johnson.

Hosted by MSR journalist Damenica Ellis, the conversation explores Johnson’s artistic journey and how she blends poetry, hip-hop and storytelling to support community healing and cultural expression.

Johnson is the founder of Beyond Da Mic, a creative initiative that works with schools, nonprofits and youth programs to promote literacy, storytelling and self-expression through hip-hop and spoken word.

In this episode, Johnson shares:

• How she first discovered poetry
 • The inspiration behind Beyond Da Mic
 • The role of art in community healing
 • Why storytelling matters for youth empowerment
 • Her upcoming album No Vacancy, releasing March 23

The On the Radar podcast highlights artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders making an impact across Minnesota.

Learn more at:
https://spokesman-recorder.com/2026/02/20/seanna-johnson-poet-community-leader/

In our inaugural episode, host Damenica Ellis sits down with Michelle Perdue — acclaimed actor, spoken word artist, motivational speaker, educator, and resilience ambassador. Perdue’s artistic journey spans stage and screen, poetry and performance, and a life lived in pursuit of purpose and connection. Together, they explore her creative evolution, the power of storytelling, and how art can transform community and self-expression.  

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, craft, and why creativity always deserves a place on the radar. 🎧